Chatting with Cormac Murphy: ‘Love Island’ alum, model, and fitness trainer

Cormac Murphy. Photo Credit: CT Thomas.

Cormac Murphy is an alum of “Love Island,” as well as a model and a fitness trainer.

Murphy chatted about his latest endeavors, shared his advice for people that wish to go into fitness, achieving sobriety, and he spoke about being a part of the digital age.

Daily motivations

Regarding his daily motivations, he said, “Honestly, I am motivated simply by wanting to be better. Obviously, my background is fitness, but my journey is my journey, and my story is my story. I am just searching and looking to be a little bit better each day, and I want to be a better person and to help as many people as I can.”

Murphy will be representing the state of New York in “Mister USA 2024.” Even though I was born and raised in Ireland, my mother in American, and my father moved here in the ‘80s,” he said.

Representing New York in ‘Mister USA 2024’

On representing New York, Murphy said, “I love it. It’s a huge privilege. I think New York is in good hands. Honestly, I am really excited. Once again, it’s a big privilege and I am really thrilled.”

“My grandparents are from Washington Heights and my mother was raised in New Jersey,” he said. “Funnily enough, I also lived in Australia for a few years. New York and New Jersey are my homes. In fact, New York has been my home now since 2017. I have so much more experience in New York than in Ireland.”

Mister USA is an American pageant, which is held annually, and the winner goes on to represent the United States in the “Mister Universe” competition. It celebrates culture, diversity, beauty, intelligence, and empowerment. It is not solely about outer beauty; it recognizes the inner beauty and intelligence of their contestants.

This competition will be held on August 11, 2024, in Hollywood. The winner of Mister USA will subsequently represent USA at “Mister Universe” on September 28, 2024, at The Biltmore in Los Angeles.

Future plans

On his future plans, he said, “As far as location goes, New York is always going to be my home, even if I don’t end up here in the future. I want to continue growing my business and my personal brand, which I’ve been very fortunate to do over the last year. It has been growing pretty well and at a good rate.”

“I want to get myself out there and do uncomfortable things,” he acknowledged.  “I like getting outside of my comfort zone; that’s why I wanted to compete in Mister USA. I wouldn’t want to represent any other state other than New York.”

Career-defining moment: Sobriety

On his career-defining moment, he acknowledged, “My journey in sobriety was a defining moment in my life, for sure.”

“Back in the day, people perceived me as the ‘bad boy’ in nightclubs and I also did a dating show called ‘Love Island,’ where I was on the first season. My addiction with alcohol and drugs really changed my perspective on life, and I knew I had to stop doing them. I had a stint in rehab in 2020 and that changed the course of my life as well,” he said.

When asked about his message that he wants to bring to the public, he responded, “This is my comeback story… it’s the ‘Return of the Mac.’ No matter where you are in your life, there is always time to just be a better person, and to grow. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.”

“Going back a few years now, I was in the bars and nightclubs, and looking back, it is never too late to change. That’s the message I want to bring to people,” he noted.

The digital age

On being a social influencer, model, and personal trainer in the digital age, Murphy said, “The digital age comes with a bit of pressure sometimes, and for me, I just try to channel that into healthy pressure. For me, I know who I am now, so I have to roll with that and be my true authentic self.”

“Honestly, I don’t care about what other people think. I am on my own journey here, and I am trying to help people and tell my own story in doing so,” he said.

“It is super important to listen to your friends and family but to also be confident in who you are, and in your message and what you want to do, and that’s what I am doing. I am being myself and showcasing that to my followers on my platforms,” he elaborated.

Advice for people that wish to go into fitness

For young and aspiring people that wish to go into fitness, he said, “Start small, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Everyone wants their dream body in as little time as possible but start small. I was a skinny kid when I started lifting.”

“I was really small, but I played rugby, which was a big physical sport growing up. It just took time, and I surrounded myself with people that are on the same journey as me,” he said.

“Even before I was a trainer, I hired a trainer, and I was always learning and researching things,” he admitted. “There was a lot of trial and error. Also, if you really want something, then go after it.”

“While a lot of people lack consistency or discipline but that builds over time,” he added.

Stage of his life

On the title of the current chapter of his life, Murphy revealed, “Get Uncomfortable.” “This is it,” he admitted.

Superpower of choice

If he were to have any superpower of choice, it would be to “teleport,” especially since then, he wouldn’t have to fly anywhere. “Teleportation would get me places as fast as possible,” he admitted.

Favorite motto to live by

His favorite motto to live by is the following quote by Czech model and TV host Petra Nemcova: ” Learn from the past, look to the future, but live in the present.” “Just try to be in the moment,” he said, summing this quote up.

Success

On his definition of the word success, Murphy said, “For me, success is not money or location. It’s about the people that I am around and doing what I love. Also, the peace of mind that comes with it.”

Message for his fans and supporters

For his fans and followers, he expressed, ““I am thankful to all of the people that have messaged me over the years about my vulnerability, and for sticking with me on my journey. Just a big ‘thank you’ to all the fans and supporters.”

“We are just getting started here. Once again, I am super proud to be repping New York, and I am excited for Mister USA,” he concluded.

To learn more about Cormac Murphy, follow him on Instagram.